Also introduced in the past year was AMD's Torrenza platform. Torrenza uses AMD's existing interconnect technology to allow third parties to create application-specific coprocessors that can work alongside AMD processors in multisocket systems.

For its part, Intel's embedded IT capabilities include its already released Virtualization Technology, which like AMD's Pacifica provides a hardware-enabled ability to more effectively create virtualized infrastructure installations. Also introduced by Intel is Active Management Technology (AMT), embedded in client-side processors. AMT allows IT managers to remotely access networked computing equipment -- even those that lack a working operating system or hard drive or those that have been turned off.

Also in the works from Intel is I/O Acceleration Technology, a network accelerator that can break up the data-handling job among all the components in a server, including the processor, chip set, network controller and software. The distributed approach reduces the workload on the processors while accelerating the flow of data, Intel says.

Intel's Trusted Execution Technology, originally code-named LeGrande Technology, is a set of hardware extensions to processors and chip sets that enhances security. The technology means to prevent software-based attacks and to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on a client PC.

Darrell Dunn is a freelance reporter based in Fort Worth, Texas, with 20 years of experience covering business technology and enterprise IT. Contact him at darrelldunn@sbcglobal.net.